A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 16-3-1093 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISSEMINATE PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WITH THE INTENT TO INTIMIDATE, ABUSE, THREATEN, HARASS, OR FRIGHTEN THE INDIVIDUALS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.
Impact
If enacted, H4673 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding personal privacy and harassment in South Carolina. The bill categorizes offenses based on the severity of the action, with penalties ranging from misdemeanor charges for non-injurious dissemination to felony charges for actions resulting in serious physical harm or death. This tiered penalty system is designed to serve as a deterrent against the misuse of personal information and aims to enhance the protection of individuals' safety and privacy in an increasingly digital age.
Summary
House Bill 4673 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by prohibiting the unlawful dissemination of personally identifying information with the intent to intimidate, abuse, threaten, harass, or frighten individuals. The legislation introduces specific definitions for terms such as 'dissemination' and 'personally identifying information,' establishing a clear legal framework to address the increasing concerns surrounding online harassment and doxing. This bill serves as a response to the growing prevalence of online threats, ensuring legal consequences for those who misuse personal data to harm others.
Contention
The introduction of this bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between free speech and the need to protect individuals from harassment and intimidation. Some critics may argue that overly broad definitions could potentially infringe upon legitimate discourse and the sharing of information, raising concerns about how the law may be applied. Advocacy groups for both privacy rights and free expression are closely monitoring the progress of H4673, indicating a potential for heated debates in legislative sessions as legislators seek to navigate these complex issues.
Establishes a private right of action for any person whose personally identifying information was intentionally disclosed by another individual, without consent, for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to such person, or with reckless disregard as to whether such disclosure would cause such harm; defines personal information.
Facilitates changes to certain terms of State or federal tenant-based housing subsidy due to increase in household members, emergency conditions, and financial barriers faced by head-of-household.